Community devastated as fire engulfs Claremont library, Council chambers

Lucy Rickard

While the Town of Claremont had a fire-resistant safe onsite which held the council's vital records, the State Government has announced it will assist with library services and archival preservation.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said this afternoon that staff from the State Records Office and the State Library of Western Australia (SLWA) will work closely with the Town of Claremont to offer assistance in the recovery of any historical or corporate records.

"Claremont residents are able to use Nedlands, Mount Claremont or The Grove public libraries and return material borrowed from Claremont to these locations, which will send them on to SLWA" he said.

Meanwhile, Claremont residents have pledged to help rebuild the historic council chambers and library after they were destroyed by fire last night.

"This was a fairly significant fire. It escalated very quickly," said Mr Diver.

He said reports from witnesses confirmed that the fire began at the southern end of the building before spreading quickly. Fire investigating officers and arson squad would continue their investigations today.

Library staff were still working when the fire started, but all staff and patrons were able to escape before firefighters were called.

Mr Barker said the fire began on the river side of the library building and was fanned by a strong wind coming off the river. It was then pushed straight through to the administration block on Stirling Highway.

Firefighters were forced to douse the flames from the outside as the fire had already taken hold of the structure's roof when they arrived, making it too dangerous for crews to enter due to the risk of collapse.

Mr Barker said the chambers and library were built in 1898 and housed irreplaceable photos and documents.

"In the chambers were the drawings and photos of councillors from the very early years," he said.

"We've lost 112 years of our history."

He said firefighters were able to protect the computer system with a fire-retardant foam, but it would still be days before they knew if the system had been destroyed.

"We do have substantial back-ups however a lot of our back-up is on-site," he said.

"We're hoping that what we've got will not be the total loss of our computer records."

Dozens of staff will be working from the neighbouring Meals on Wheels building and the Town Hall before a more permanent location is determined.

Meanwhile, the State Government has announced this afternoon it will assist the Town of Claremont with library services and archival preservation.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said staff from the State Records Office and the State Library of Western Australia (SLWA) will work closely with the Town of Claremont to offer assistance in the recovery of any historical or corporate records.

"Claremont residents are able to use Nedlands, Mount Claremont or The Grove public libraries and return material borrowed from Claremont to these locations, which will send them on to SLWA" he said.